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If you love cooking, you probably already know the secret power of tomato paste — it’s the quiet superstar that turns a simple stew into something worthy of a weekend dinner. Tomato paste is concentrated, bold, and versatile, delivering deep tomato flavor in a surprisingly small jar or tin. Think of it like a flavor amplifier: a little goes a long way, whether you’re building a rich pasta sauce, braising meat, or spiking a soup with umami. Plus, it’s shelf-stable, affordable, and often available in various formats, from small tubes to large cans, so you can buy the right amount for the meal you’re planning.
Confused by labels at the supermarket? You’re not alone. Tomato paste is highly concentrated tomato that’s been cooked down until most of the water is removed, resulting in a thick, paste-like consistency. Tomato puree is smoother and less concentrated — think of it as a midway point between paste and sauce. Passata is sieved raw or lightly cooked tomatoes and has a fresh, sauce-like texture. If a recipe calls for tomato paste and you only have puree or passata, you can reduce the passata on the stove to concentrate it, or use a few tablespoons of puree and cook it down to intensify the flavor.
If you’re out of tomato paste, reduce about 1 cup of passata or puree down to 2 to 3 tablespoons by simmering it for 10 to 15 minutes. The result won’t be identical, but it will give you that concentrated punch.
Looking to stock up or hunt for a bargain? The UK market is full of options. Traditional supermarkets, discount chains, and online stores all compete on price, brand range, and convenience. Here’s a practical guide to the major retailers where you can find tomato paste, along with what to expect from each.
Tesco is one of the biggest places to shop for tomato paste. You’ll find everything from own-brand tins to premium Italian imports. Tesco often carries small 6 oz and larger 12 oz cans, plus convenient tubes for single-use cooking. Look out for multi-buy offers, especially on own-brand staples, if you like to stock up.
Sainsbury’s has a wide selection that caters to both budget-conscious cooks and foodies. Their basics range includes small tins and tubes, while the Taste the Difference range offers higher-quality Italian brands. Sainsbury’s also tends to run weekly promotions and price-matching on essentials like tomato paste.
Asda usually delivers very competitive prices, especially on own-brand staples. You can find bulk packs and value-size tins there, making it a good choice if you use tomato paste often or cook for a family. Asda’s rolls and clubcard deals can shave a few pennies off your regular buys.
Morrisons carries both budget and premium options. Their fresh food reputation extends to good-quality canned and jarred tomato products. Keep an eye out for seasonal discounts and deals on Italian brands that pair nicely with Sunday roasts or slow-cooked dishes.
If you’re after artisan or organic tomato paste, Waitrose often stocks higher-end brands, including smaller-batch Italian producers. Prices tend to be higher, but you’ll find some excellent single-origin or organic options that bring a nuanced, grown-up tomato flavor to your cooking.
Discount stores like Aldi and Lidl punch above their weight when it comes to quality-to-price ratio. They regularly stock their own-brand tomato pastes that often mirror popular Italian styles at a fraction of the price. If you don’t need a specific brand name, these chains are goldmines for bargains.
Co-op is convenient for quick top-ups — many local branches carry small tins and tubes ideal for last-minute recipes. Their own-brand options are solid, and you’ll often find fair trade or ethically sourced variants in select stores.
Shopping online? Ocado offers a broad selection and is especially strong on niche and premium brands that aren’t always available in brick-and-mortar stores. If you like to compare sizes and read ingredient lists side-by-side, online shopping can save time and help you find a better deal.
Amazon is a useful source for bulk buys and imported brands you might not see locally, such as specialty Italian pastes. Specialist Italian delis and online marketplaces also offer artisanal brands and larger bulk tins that are great for serious home cooks.
Brand choice can shape the character of your dishes. Some brands are prized for bright, fruity tomatoes; others are celebrated for depth and sweetness. Here are a few names that regularly appear on UK shelves and in home kitchens.
Mutti is a popular Italian brand known for high-quality tomato products. Their concentrated tomato paste delivers a vibrant, balanced flavor and is often available in small tins or tubes. Many chefs reach for Mutti for reliable results.
Cirio is another respected brand with deep Italian roots. Their products often have a fuller, slightly sweeter profile, which makes them great for sauces and slow-cooked dishes where you want a rounded tomato note.
Napolina balances price and quality, making it a go-to for many home cooks. Their tomato pastes and purées are consistent and widely available in supermarkets, which makes swapping brands in a recipe easy.
Don’t overlook supermarket own brands — Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, and Morrisons produce reliable tomato pastes that perform well in most recipes. For everyday cooking, these often represent the best value.
Picking the right tomato paste depends on how you cook. Do you simmer sauces for hours, or do you need a quick burst of flavor? Here’s how to decide.
Tubes are excellent for small households or when you only need a tablespoon or two, because they lock up easily and reduce waste. Cans are better value for bulk cooking and long simmering — a 6 oz or 12 oz can will keep well on a pantry shelf until opened. If you use tomato paste regularly, buying larger tins or multi-packs can be more economical.
Look for deep red color and a thick, smooth consistency. A darker, caramelized hue can indicate heavier concentration and roasted flavor, which may benefit stews and braises. If you want a fresh tomato note, choose a brighter paste or one labeled as made from fresh-picked tomatoes.
Ever wondered whether to stash a dozen tubes when they’re on offer or buy small tins more often? Think about usage frequency. If you make tomato-based meals weekly, buying larger cans or bulk packs saves money. For occasional cooks, tubes prevent waste and keep the paste tasting fresher. Also, watch seasonal promotions — supermarkets often discount staples like tomato paste during themed food weeks.
Sign up for supermarket loyalty schemes like Tesco Clubcard or Sainsbury’s Nectar to capture savings over time. Coupons and multi-buy offers are common on packaged tomato products; combine them with loyalty points for the best deals.
Proper storage makes a world of difference. Unopened tins and jars can sit in your pantry for a long time, but once opened, tomato paste behaves differently depending on its packaging.
Once opened, transfer leftover paste from a tin into a small, airtight container and refrigerate. It will typically last about 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge when covered and kept cold. If you used a tube, squeeze out the air, seal it, and pop it in the back of the fridge where temperatures are more stable.
Want to keep tomato paste for months? Freeze it. Spoon tablespoon-sized dollops onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealed freezer bag. Each dollop thaws quickly and is perfect for single servings. Frozen paste can last 3 to 6 months and won’t lose much flavor.
Tomato paste is a little miracle in the kitchen. Here are practical ways to put it to work so you get the most flavor with minimal effort.
Sauté a splash of olive oil with chopped onion and garlic, then add a tablespoon of tomato paste and fry it for a minute or two. This caramelizes the paste and deepens the tomato flavor, creating a robust base for sauces, soups, and casseroles.
For a quick pasta sauce, combine a couple of tablespoons of tomato paste with 1 cup of stock, a dash of sugar, and herbs. Let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes and you’ll have a concentrated, restaurant-quality sauce with minimal fuss.
A spoonful of tomato paste brightens stews, chili, and braises, providing a savory note that complements meats and roasted vegetables. Think of it as a secret seasoning — like adding a touch of soy sauce but with a tomato backbone.
Tomato paste is relatively calorie-light and packed with tomato-derived nutrients. It’s concentrated, so a small amount packs in lycopene and vitamin C (though cooking reduces some vitamin C, it increases lycopene availability). If you’re watching salt, compare labels: some pastes are lower in sodium, while others include added salt for flavor. For clean-label eating, look for products with just “tomatoes” or “tomatoes and salt” on the ingredient list.
Want to avoid pesticides or cut back on salt? Many supermarkets and specialty brands offer organic tomato paste as well as reduced-sodium options. These can be a bit pricier, but they’re useful if you’re cooking for children or managing dietary restrictions.
Treat tomato paste like a high-impact ingredient: a small investment yields big flavor returns. Compare unit prices (price per ounce or per pound) when shopping and don’t forget to check the back of the pantry aisle where bulk buys and multipacks hide. If you like international recipes, explore imported Italian tins for a different flavor profile, or stick to supermarket own-brand for everyday value. And remember — tubes are your friend if you hate waste, while tins and jars are better for long simmers and batch cooking.
Whether you’re making a quick weeknight bolognese or crafting a slow-cooked ragù for company, tomato paste is that low-cost, high-reward ingredient that keeps your meals tasting vibrant. Try different brands and formats, experiment with freezing small portions, and keep an eye on supermarket deals so your pantry never runs dry.
Tomato paste is an essential, flexible, and budget-friendly ingredient that elevates a wide range of dishes. UK shoppers have plenty of options — from big supermarkets like Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons, and Waitrose, to discount chains like Aldi and Lidl, to online specialists such as Ocado and Amazon. Choosing the right format and brand depends on your cooking habits: tubes minimize waste, tins maximize value, and premium brands deliver nuanced flavor. With smart storage and a few simple cooking tricks, you’ll get richer, more complex tomato flavor from every spoonful. So next time you’re planning a meal, remember the power of a small dollop of tomato paste — it’s the difference between ordinary and exceptional.
